Port Dickson and Banting recorded unhealthy Air Pollutant Index (API) readings as at 8 am today, according to the Department of Environment (DOE) website.

The API reading in Port Dickson was 101, while Banting registered a reading of 121.

Four other areas also recorded a reading above 90, namely Putrajaya (96), Port Klang (91), Nilai (95) and Bukit Rambai (90).

An API reading of between zero and 50 indicates good air quality; between 51 and 100, moderate; between 101 and 200, unhealthy; between 201 and 300, very unhealthy and over 301, hazardous.

The public can visit http://www.doe.gov.my to know the API readings in their respective areas.

On Monday, Natural Resources and Environment Minister Datuk Seri G. Palanivel said the haze, which was affecting several areas of the west coast in the peninsular, including the national capital, was caused by burning activities in Central Sumatra, Indonesia.

He said this condition was expected to persist until September.